Check back here often to learn of the latest news and opportunities from WCELI partners including:
Beverly Park/WCELI Kindergarten Transition Program
Watch the Learning for Life episode that featured the WCELI Kindergarten Transition Program at Beverly Park Elementary School (aired September 8.)
Learning for Life airs every Wednesday on KING 5 Morning News on KONG 6/16 TV between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m.
Beverly Park Elementary in the Highline School District will host its first ever Kindergarten Transition Program August 30th through September 3rd. The program is part of the White Center Early Learning Initiative.
In the week before school starts, entering kindergartners spend about three hours each morning in their new classroom getting to know each other, their teacher and what to expect at school, such as how to behave in circle time, where to find the bathroom and how to get lunch. During this week, teachers also visit each family’s home to learn more about their families, set shared goals, and talk about school expectations and ways for families to support learning at home.
This program builds on the very successful Kindergarten Transition Program that East Yakima started doing in 2008. When the pilot for this program was done in East Yakima:
- Teachers said they could start teaching on Day 1 because children already knew expectations, routines and procedures.
- 99 percent of parents reported that they felt comfortable talking to their child’s teacher; 98 percent reported that their child liked school
- Principals reported that the incidents of children crying or refusing to comply on the first day of school was markedly reduced and, in most cases, eliminated.
The Kindergarten Transition program has been made possible through a grant from The Norcliffe Foundation. Evaluation of the program will be conducted by the White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI).
Kindergarten Transition Program in the News
For more information, contact Joan Tritchler at 425-917-7605, 253-778-7605 or jtritchler@psesd.org.
Learning for Life
View KING 5's Learning for Life specials and segments at Thrive by Five Washington's website
August 18, 2010 Wednesdays with WCELI Flyer
August 18, 2010 Wednesdays with WCELI Flyer
Summer 2010 Resources and Activities Flyer in Multiple Languages
The Summer 2010 WCELI Update is Now Online
Click here to read the Summer 2010 WCELI Update.
Open Arms Perinatal Services Receives 2010 Human Services Award for Innovative Program
Open Arms Perinatal Services received the 2010 Seattle Human Services Coalition’s Human Services Award for Innovative Program. The Coalition recognized Open Arms for its "response to an existing need in a new way, its ability to build upon an outstanding program model, its creativity in leveraging resources, and its positive program results."
Educare Early Learning Center Earns 2010 Civic Design Award
The Educare Early Learning Center in White Center earned a 2010 Civic Design Award from The American Institute of Architects Washington Council (AIA|WA). The AIA/WA bestowed 14 firms with its 2010 Civic Design Award during a ceremony the last week in May. The annual competition recognizes good and innovative design in civil architecture.
The Educare Early Learning Center received a Citation level award in the Individual Building category for "a demonstrated level of quality and sensitivity."
The Educare Early Learning Center is a partner of the White Center Early Learning Initiative, a Thrive by Five Washington demonstration community. The facility was built by the Puget Sound Educational Service District through a unique public/private partnership of individuals, foundations, governmental agencies and organizations. The architectural firm was Miller Hayashi Architects LLC.
Play and Learn Groups in White Center
Winter 2010
You are invited to participate in FREE drop-in Play & Learn Groups for young children and their caregivers offered in various locations in White Center. Learn more...
Wednesdays with WCELI
Monthly, on the third Wednesday from 9:00 - 10:00 am
Join other families over coffee and tea to discuss early learning topics and resources. Activities will be provided for children, interpretation available. Learn more...
Click here to learn about the current job openings with the White Center Early Learning Initiative.
WCELI is committed to increasing access and availability of professional development opportunities for early learning professionals. As partners in WCELI, Child Care Resources and Puget Sound ESD offer a variety of classes. These include offerings made available through Seeds to Success. Click here to view a full list of classes.
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